Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Guide Blog

In this Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about the trek. So make sure you read till the end.

Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is a short but popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is one of the best trek routes that is ideal for trekkers of all ages. The trek offers magnificent panoramic views of the mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and several other peaks. Additionally, you do not have to go through physically demanding trails for this trek.

The Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is popular for more than its gorgeous mountain views. While on the trek, you can witness a beautiful sunrise from Poonhill View Tower situated at 3210 meters. Similarly, the trail goes through the luscious and green rhododendrons forests and vegetation. The route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area so, you can observe diverse flora and fauna while on trek.

Along the trail, there are many charming villages like Birethani, Tikhedunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. The majority of the locals in this region belong to the Gurung and Magar ethnic communities. So, Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek also offers the chance to observe the culture, traditions, and local customs.

Get the first-hand experience of the warm hospitality of locals while enjoying the diverse and scenic beauty and culture of the Annapurna region!

Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Route

Our Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Guide would not be complete without route details. So here is a little breakdown of the route.

You will have to travel to Pokhara from Kathmandu. You can either drive or fly to Pokhara. By road, it will take 6 to 7 hours to drive from Kathmandu. It takes only around 30 minutes by flight to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. Driving to Kathmandu is a budget-friendly option.

After arriving in Pokhara, you will again have to take a short drive to Nayapul. The whole drive takes around an hour and a half. Nayapul which is situated at an elevation of 1010 meters, serves as the starting point of the trek. The trail lies alongside the Modi river banks. You will pass by several teahouses, shops, terraced fields, and Birethani village. After a 4-hour walk up the valley, you will reach Tikhedhunga. It sits at 1570 meters elevation and you will stay overnight here.

From Tadapani, you will have to continue your uphill climb to a Magar village, Ulleri. From then onwards, the trail ascends gently and goes through the rhododendron forests. You will pass by Banthanti and Nangethanti villages before finally reaching Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a small yet beautiful Gurung village that sits at an elevation of 2840 meters. The whole trek journey takes around 5 hours. You will stay overnight at a tea house accommodation.

The hike for Poonhill begins before dawn. The trail from Ghorepani to Poonhill View Tower is made of stone staircases. Similarly, it goes through the rhododendron forest. After you reach the view tower situated at an elevation of 3210 meters, you will get to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises against the backdrop of the mountains. You can get panoramic views of Mount Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Hinchuli, and several others. Then you will head back to Ghorepani and begin your descent to Tadapani (2610 meters). The trail continues to descend gently until you reach Ghandruk (1940 meters). The whole trek takes around 7 hours and you will rest for the day at Ghandruk.

Ghandruk is a picturesque Gurung village and is a famous tourist destination. Here you can experience the rich culture, traditions, and warm hospitality of the Gurung people. From Ghandruk, you will retrace your steps back to Naypul. Your trek will end here as you hop onto a jeep and head toward Pokhara.

Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Difficulty

The Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill is a moderately difficult trek. First-time trekkers and children can join the trek. In comparison to other trekking routes of the Annapurna region, Ghorepani Poonhill is comfortable and less demanding. However, trekkers will have to climb uphill and downhill on various terrains.

There are also over 3000 stone staircases that trekkers will have to conquer. It can be physically demanding at times. Therefore, trekkers need a good physical fitness level for the trek. The highest elevation is 3210 meters at Poonhill View Tower. There is a minimum risk of trekkers experiencing altitude sickness. But for beginners and children, it is best to ascend slowly. It helps the body to adjust to the changing elevation.

Overall, the Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is less challenging and strenuous than other trekking routes in Nepal. If you are a beginner or looking for a trek route that the whole family can participate then Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is the ideal match.

Best Time For Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

For the best trekking experience of Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, choose the right season. Nepal has four distinct seasons, so, you might wonder what the weather will be like during each season. As an Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Guide, we suggest spring or autumn season. But here is a general overview of all the seasons:

Spring (March to May)

Spring provides one of the most favorable weather and temperatures for trekkers. So, it is one of the best times for the Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. The temperature during early spring remains cold in the morning and night. As the season progresses, the temperature gradually becomes warmer. The temperature ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius during daytime.

Another reason you should trek during springtime is to enjoy the flora and fauna. The trail to Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek goes right through the rhododendron forest. The whole forest in spring is in full bloom. Because of the good weather, the trail can get a little crowded.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is a pleasant time for Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill trekking. However, the season coincides with monsoon so, it usually rains a lot. It makes the trail muddy and slippery. Moreover, there are leeches everywhere on the trail. But it does not mean that you cannot do the trek in summer. With a good pair of trekking boots and a sturdy trekking pole, the trek is still doable.

The temperature ranges between 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The best thing about trekking in summer is that the rain washes away the impurities in the atmosphere. The vegetations look luscious and green. The mornings after the rain offer gorgeous mountain views.

Autumn (September to November)

If you have to choose any season for the Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, autumn is as best as you can get. The weather and temperature are the best. The sky is crisp and clear which offers trekkers magnificent mountain views. The temperature ranges between 10 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius. But it starts to get chilly in the morning and night.

The biggest Nepali festival also falls during the autumn season. So, trekkers can enjoy the festive celebration and cultural exploration. It is a peak season for trekkers. So, the trail is crowded and the accommodations usually get fully booked. Another thing trekkers should note while trekking in the autumn season is that the accommodation can be a little pricer.

Winter (December to February)

There is no question that it gets cold in winter. The higher elevations receive a lot of snow in this season. Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek lies at a lower elevation in comparison to other trekking routes like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It gets especially cold in the mornings and evenings. The daytime temperature can get around 15 degrees Celsius.

Many accommodations close for winter but you will find many that are open for business. The trail is also less crowded. For the Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek during winter, trekkers must carry warm clothing. The tea houses have huge stoves in the dining space to keep their guests warm. Winter provides the best view of the snow-capped mountains.

Documents And Paperwork for Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

There are a few important documents and paperwork trekkers will need for the Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. These include the following:

Visa

Foreigners can get visas for Nepal on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. It is also possible to get a visa before arrival from the Embassy of Nepal. Your passport must have at least 6 months remaining before its expiration. The cost of a visa varies depending on the duration of your stay. It looks like this:

• USD 30 for 15 days (single entry)
• USD 50 for 30 days (single entry)
• USD 120 for 90 days (single entry)

Travel Insurance

Trekkers need to have travel insurance for the Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. The travel insurance should cover the emergency medical expenses and evacuation. Although there is a minimum risk of altitude sickness during the trek, you should get travel insurance that also covers it. Similarly, there are also travel insurances that cover loss of baggage, loss or damage of electronic devices, trip postponement, and trip cancellation.

While getting travel insurance, ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions. Similarly, it is also best that you inform your insurance provider of your trekking itinerary. They can provide helpful insights and suggestions.

Permits

Foreigners must get permits for the Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. The first one is the TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card. It keeps a record of the trekkers, their itinerary, and their emergency contact numbers. The TIMS card ensures their safety, especially during natural disasters and emergencies. It costs around USD 10 per person.

The Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek route goes through the Annapurna Conservation Area. Hence, trekkers will need an entry permit for the conservation area known as ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit). It helps in the conservation efforts of the Annapurna region. The ACAP costs around USD 30 per person.

Trekkers can get the permits either from Kathmandu or from Pokhara. NAATA has the perfect Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek package that includes both permits.

Food And Accommodation During Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

Trekkers will mostly come across charming tea houses, lodges, guest houses, and homestays during the Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. These establishments are run by locals and usually are budget-friendly and affordable. You will commonly find rooms on a twin-sharing basis with shared bathrooms and common dining halls.

The rooms are simple with beds and blankets. The accommodations provide basic facilities and the amenities are limited. You can see that the common spaces or dining areas usually have huge stoves to keep you warm. There are also accommodations providing rooms with attached bathrooms. As you climb to higher altitudes, they usually charge extra costs for hot water, hot showers, and wifi/internet.

The tea houses and lodges also serve food to trekkers. The food menu generally found during the Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek consists of Dal Bhat, momo, chowmein, and other local and Western cuisines. Since the trekking route lies in comparatively lower elevations, the menu is diverse and flexible.

You can get pancakes, eggs, toast, oatmeal, etc for breakfast. There can also be options for noodles, pizzas, soups, bread, curries, and more. If the menu is not to your liking, you can also make requests. The owners and staff of the tea houses are very welcoming and friendly to their visitors. So, if it is possible, they will grant your requests.

NAATA’s Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill Trek package includes your accommodations and meals during the trek. You will stay at tea houses with breakfast facilities during the trek.

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